AI SummaryLokprasar Prakalpo Scheme is a state scheme of West Bengal for rural folk and tribal artists. It is run by the Department of Information and Cultural Affairs and gives monthly retainer fees, pensions for senior artists and performance fees so that cultural practitioners get steady income and can keep their traditional art forms alive.
In 2026, the scheme continues to support artists across the state. Around 44,911 artists in West Bengal are already receiving ₹1000 per month under this scheme, and about 85,000 folk artists have been covered since it started in 2014. Artists between 18 and 60 years get a monthly retainer fee, while artists above 60 get a monthly pension.
Lokprasar Prakalpo Scheme - Overview
Lokprasar Prakalpo Scheme was launched by the Department of Information and Cultural Affairs of West Bengal government in 2014. It was started with the inspiration of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to revive and protect the many folk and tribal cultural forms spread across the districts of the state.
This scheme finds financially distressed rural folk artists through a formal checking process and gives them alternative income options and a chance to perform their traditional art forms. In return, the government preserves the unique cultural heritage of West Bengal and gives the artists the respect they deserve.
Main aims of the scheme are to give dignity to folk artists through official identity cards, uphold the traditional folk forms of Bengal, revive nearly extinct art and cultural traditions and improve the socio-economic condition of people dedicated to folk culture. Latest updates about the scheme are available on the dedicated website wblpp.in, while the state government portal wb.gov.in lists all the official details.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Lokprasar Prakalpo Scheme |
| Level | State |
| Beneficiary State | West Bengal |
| Category | Sports and Culture |
| Target Beneficiaries | Folk and tribal artists |
| Main Department | Information and Cultural Affairs Department |
| Launch Year | 2014 |
| Retainer Fee | ₹1000 per month for artists aged 18 to 60 |
| Pension | ₹1000 per month for artists above 60 |
| Application Mode | Offline through district offices |
Benefits
Lokprasar Prakalpo Scheme gives several financial and social benefits to help artists earn a regular living:
- Identity Cards: Every registered folk artist gets an official identity card that gives them recognition as a government enlisted artist.
- Monthly Pension: Veteran and distressed artists aged 60 and above get a monthly pension of ₹1000.
- Retainer Fee: Enlisted folk artists below 60 who take part in departmental publicity campaigns get a retainer fee of ₹1000 per month.
- Regular Work: The government engages artists in public information campaigns for projects like Kannyasree, Yubasree, Sikshasree, Nirmal Bangla and Sarbo Siksha Abhiyan, which gives them consistent work and income.
- Performance Fees: When artists are invited to perform at government fairs and festivals like Krishi Mela or Sabala Mela, they get ₹1000 per head per day.
Eligibility
Artists who want to join the scheme need to meet these conditions:
- Traditional Practice: Applicant should be a traditional practitioner of a specific folk form, a member of a tribal cultural or dance group, or a folk instrumentalist recognized by the Folk and Tribal Cultural Centre.
- Permanent Resident: Applicant must be a permanent resident of West Bengal with valid identity and address proof.
- Age for Enlistment: For regular enrollment under the retainer fee, applicant should be between 18 and 60 years of age.
- Age for Pension: Artists above 60 years of age qualify for the pension component of the scheme.
Application Process
Lokprasar Prakalpo Scheme mainly follows an offline process. The department releases notifications in regional newspapers when the enlistment or audition phase opens. These steps explain how to apply:
STEP 1 - Watch regional newspapers and the official websites wb.gov.in and wblpp.in for the latest notification about auditions and artist enlistment.
STEP 2 - Visit the local district Information and Cultural Affairs office or reach out to the District Information and Cultural Officer (DICO) and Sub-Divisional Information and Cultural Officer (SDICO). In Kolkata, contact the office of the Secretary of the Folk and Tribal Cultural Centre (FTCC).
STEP 3 - Fill the prescribed application form given by the department and attach the required documents.
STEP 4 - Submit the form at the district office. After verification, the artist is enrolled under the scheme and becomes eligible for the identity card and monthly payments.
Documents
Keep these documents ready before going to the district office:
- Valid identity proof such as Aadhaar Card or Voter ID.
- Recent passport size photographs.
- Bank account details along with a copy of the first page of the passbook, because payments come directly to the bank account.
- Proof of residential address.
- Certificates related to achievements or honors in the field of art, if any.
- Any other documents asked by the department officials.
References
Official Lokprasar Prakalpo Page on West Bengal Government Portal
District Information and Cultural Affairs Portal
FAQ's
What is the main goal of the scheme?
The scheme gives dignity to artists through identity cards, protects traditional folk forms, revives disappearing cultural arts and improves the financial stability of folk and tribal artists.
Which department manages this scheme?
The Department of Information and Cultural Affairs of West Bengal runs this scheme.
When did this scheme start?
Lokprasar Prakalpo Scheme was launched in 2014.
Who is eligible for this scheme?
Artists who practice a traditional folk form, belong to a recognized tribal cultural or dance group, or play folk instruments are eligible if they are permanent residents of West Bengal.
Is the scheme only for West Bengal residents?
Yes, applicant must be a permanent resident of West Bengal and have valid identity and address proof such as an Aadhaar card.
Do all artists get an identity card?
Yes, every successfully enlisted folk artist receives an official identity card.
Who qualifies for the monthly pension?
Veteran and distressed artists aged 60 or above get a monthly pension of ₹1000.
Who is eligible for the retainer fee?
Artists below 60 who are enlisted and take part in government publicity campaigns get a retainer fee of ₹1000 per month.
What is the payment for government performances?
Artists receive a performance fee of ₹1000 per person for each day they perform at government-sponsored events like fairs and festivals.
How can an artist apply?
Wait for the official notification in local newspapers, then apply in the prescribed format through the district Information and Cultural Affairs office.